Laughter echoes in the room.
I search the crowd.
Her brother Christian approaches and hands me a small black box.
Carina’s bewildered eyes lock onto mine.
In slow motion, her lips parts and she blinks.
I know where she’s coming from.
When I was in New York for a gig, I rallied the troops and asked her dad and her mom for her hand in marriage. I made sure the brothers were there as well.
My girl comes as a package.
It’s just the way it is.
She was willing to walk away from her family and choose me, but that never sat right with me. I was determined to find a way to amend things between them.
Her mom beat me to it.
Once she came around, the rest of the family followed. I’m grateful for that.
With a small nod, I thank Christian.
He responds with a genuine, warm smile before shifting his attention to my girl. “Your guy is a good man, sis.” He holds her gaze for a beat. “He’s solid.”
She lets out a strangled noise and covers her mouth with her free hand before bursting into tears. “He really is, Christian.” That comes out muffled.
Winning that guy over was the equivalent of climbing Mount Elbert—the highest summit of the Rocky Mountains.
Her brothers didn’t go easy on me, but Christian hated me at first sight.
My first visit to New York to meet her family was punishing, and a little humiliating. It’s nothing her brothers said. It was all in their attitude.
Christian was the worst.
Every time I opened my mouth to talk, he’d roll his eyes, muttering something under his breath. There’s nothing I can do about my accent or twang. And frankly, I have no desire to suppress them. I’m not a New Yorker. Deal with it. I let his cold reception slide. I knew I had to prove myself.
Carina’s grandparents were my saving grace. Through their eyes, Carina’s seven brothers were able to see me as more than a hick from a small town.
One by one, each Callahan brother came up to visit, and one by one, I earned their respect.
“Carina.” I beckon her attention. She’s still staring, dumbfounded at her brother as he walks away. Her glazy eyes meet mine. “You’re my everything?—”
“And you’re mine, Rhett.” The words rush out of her mouth. “For the record, the surprise birthday is already overwhelming, but this…”
“What do you think is happening right now?”
“Hmm…” Her gaze shifts left to right. “Well, you’re on one knee.” She leans forward. “Aren’t you going to ask me a question?”
A round of laughter runs throughout the room.
“Eager beaver.” I borrow her words.
She tilts her head back and lets out a belly laugh.
When her eyes meet mine, tears stream down her face.
